10 Video Games Based on True Stories
Updated Mar 25, 2024
Video Games Based on True Stories
While video games can offer players an immersive escape from the real world, many of the best video games are based on real-life events that explore historical moments. Video game developers are not new to taking real-world events and creating compelling stories based on them.
Video games are a popular way for players to escape the real world. While these types of games offer a great escape for gamers, some of the greatest video games were created to transport players through real-world situations or events.
1. 1979 Revolution: Black Friday
Ink Stories, the developers of the 1979 Revolution game, have created the game as a way to bring light to the chaos that happened during the revolution in Iran.The game is based on the true story of photojournalist Reza, who goes back to his home country just as the revolution is happening.
In the midst of the chaos of the hostage situation, the brutality of the people, and the people trying to bring down their leader at that time, you will be able to play as Reza. As you play as Reza, you will see many authentic photos of the war, as well as extracts from real historical context. The story of the game is very good and accurately portrays the three-dimensional nature of the Iranian revolution.
2. This War Of Mine
This War of Mine takes place during the siege of the city of Pogoren (Sarajevo) in Graznavie, which was the largest conflict since the Second World War. The game's developers have accurately depicted the reality of war, from battles to the poverty and suffering of the civilian population.
When the war begins, you will need to get ready to protect yourself and others. What makes this game different from the real war is the absence of military personnel. You will need to find and collect tools and resources to fight and survive. The atmosphere is dark and accurately conveys the inevitable horror of such a tragedy. All in all, this game achieves transcendent depth and a very emotional experience.
3. Brothers In Arms: Road To Hill 30
There are many World War II games out there, but many players and game critics agree that Brothers In Arms is the best. Based on the real-life U.S. Airborne landings in Normandy, the game follows Sergeant Matt Baker (Inspired by real-life Sergeant Harrison Summers), and his squad as they fight through battles just like in real life.
The game’s military tactics, orders, and battles are based on Gearbox Software’s meticulous research of the actual historical events. The game’s gaming experience is as real as it gets, with details like dirt obscuring the soldier’s view, realistic sound effects and the likelihood of being easily killed transporting any player to the battlefield. But when the worst happens, Matt has to choose between the lives of his brothers-in-arms and his success in the mission.
4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Kingdom Come is a historical role-playing game set in Bohemia in the Middle Ages. The player plays as one of the survivors of Skalitz’s raids during the 1403 war. The entire narrative is based on actual events that happened during that conflict. The game also features historical characters such as Wenceslaus Vlhul (Vlhulius IV) and Sigismund Vlhuln (Sigismund Vlk) of Luxembourg. The game features realistic depictions of the environment, clothes, and people in the game as well as realistic depictions of the weapons used during the conflict.
Most enthusiasts are interested in medieval times, the open world, and the history of the region. The RPG game offers good game mechanics, stunning visuals, and an immersive atmosphere. However, many gamers complain that the game is full of bugs.
5. L.A. Noire
Set in 1947 Los Angeles, the game follows Detective Cole Phelps as he investigates several murder cases. You can play as Cole as he goes to investigate crime scenes to find out who murdered the victims. Among the victims, you can also investigate the true case of Jeanne French also known as Black Dahlia. Solving this case is one of the most interesting and interesting missions to play in the game.
In order to capture the essence of the game, the developers created a map that accurately depicts the busy city of Los Angeles. You can explore the city in this time period, as well as solve some of the most thrilling cases in the game. The other real-life locations and references, along with the compelling storyline, make the game an immersive and realistic experience that brings to life all the exciting aspects of the classic noir movies.
6. That Dragon, Cancer
The Dragon, Cancer is a 2016 adventure game that follows two parents as they navigate the complexities of their four year old son’s terminal cancer. As they navigate through the family’s most difficult scenarios, they interact with various objects that provide fragments of Ryan Green’s and Amy Green’s thoughts and memories about the tragedy.
Because this is such an intimate story, I feel it’s almost impossible to rate this game because it’s more focused on storytelling and being an art piece than it is on effective gameplay. It’s a game that trusts the player with the most heartbreaking and moving emotions about loss, hope and love.
So if you’re looking for a game that will make you cry, you’ve come to the right place. This game is considered by many to be one of the best video games of all time. The Dragon, Cancer follows a series of 14 scenes where Joel’s battle with cancer will be depicted through the art of this game.
7. Assassin's Creed III
Assassin’s Creed III is heavily inspired by the American Revolutionary War and takes place in Colonial America during the 18th century. The game follows the life of a war-time assassin, Connor, as he gets caught up in a number of familiar historical events, including the Boston Massacre and many more. You play as Haythem Kenway (Conner’s father) and Desmond Miles (the modern-day protagonist). As you explore Colonial America during the war, you can also learn about the lives of Native American tribes as you listen to a commendable narrative.
While all the Assassin’s Creed games have been inspired by various historical events, the story of Assassin‘s Creed III is without a doubt one of the best in the series. Much like the rest of the games in the franchise, there are plenty of playable content and plot elements to make the whole experience enjoyable and educational. While it’s hard to say if this is the best game in the series, it’s definitely one of the best.
8. Valiant Hearts: The Great War
The game is set during the Great War, which was declared by Germany against France and Russia in 1914. In the game, you can play as an American Soldier, Freddie, A Belgian Nurse, Anna, A French Man, Emile or a German Son-in-Law, Karl, each of whom are inspired by four actual heroes from the war.
Valiant Hearts does an excellent job of depicting the life of these heroes and the stories that emerged from the war. You can find an encyclopedic collection of evidence and actual 1914 war photographs within the game.The historical elements of this game are truly remarkable and accurately portray the horror of war. However, rather than concentrating on military aspects of the game, it also touches on themes of love and the bond between people in times of tragedy.
9. Call Of Duty: World War II
Call of Duty has a long history of telling war stories. In particular, the Call of Duty franchise is based on World War II. The developers have done a great job in depicting the real-life battlefields and other memorable scenes of the war.
World War II is one of the most horrendous events in history. Because of this, the developers decided not to include such details in the game. In doing so, they may have missed some important things, but it is still a good representation.
10. JFK Reloaded
JFK Reloaded is seen by many as an oversensitive game that is based on the actual events surrounding the assassination of John F. Kennedy by Lee Harvey Oswald. The game seeks to “debut assassination conspiracy theories”.
Originally released in 2004, the game was pulled from shelves by Traffic Management after it received a lot of criticism. It is unlikely that the game will return in the next few decades when the event is no longer as fresh in the American consciousness.
